RUSSELL PRE-PRESTON: MANGA SETBACK

Russell Slade spoke to the assembled Press and Media at The Vale as he looked ahead to Cardiff City’s upcoming trip to face Preston North End.

The Cardiff City manager began with disappointing news, as he revealed that centre-back Bruno Ecuele Manga picked up an injury in training whilst on international duty with Gabon.

“The international players always come back with varying degrees of fatigue depending on what matches they’ve played," began Russell.

“Disappointingly, Bruno has picked up an injury. The early signs are that he could be out for up to eight or nine weeks. Unfortunately it’s a Grade three groin strain, and it’s very difficult as it is completely out of our control.

“It’s frustrating for Bruno too, as he’s had so many little injuries since the start of the season. Now, unfortunately, he’s had a serious one in training between Gabon’s two matches.

“He’s back now and he had the scans last night, but that’s the big, disappointing news from the international break.”

Nevertheless, Russell was in confident spirits as he prepared his City squad to take on Sky Bet Championship newcomers Preston at Deepdale.

“The two centre-backs are in there on merit," continued the City boss. "We’re very pleased with both Sean Morrison and Matthew Connolly.

“We seem to really have some momentum and confidence away from home now. We have a structure that we work from, and we try to execute that in every match.

“When you break it down, Preston seem to be finding life a little bit tougher at home. Hopefully that continues for one more week from our perspective."